Kalra’s ex-employee is mastermind of Lajpat Nagar robbery, say police

The officers investigating the Rs 8 crore heist in Southeast Delhi’s Lajpat Nagar on Tuesday have zeroed in on the mastermind of the robbery — a former employee of Rajesh Kalra, the businessman whose money was looted.

Police said the former employee, identified as Rajesh, was one of the occupants in the Honda City in which the cash was being transported.

Though he is yet to be formally arrested, police said Rajesh has admitted his involvement in the heist.

According to police, Rajesh used to work for Kalra until six months ago when he reportedly had a tiff with Kalra and resigned.
“Rajesh knew all about Kalra’s monetary transactions.

So, he hatched a plan to rob Kalra to get back at him. He got in touch with some local criminals — Shakti, Ajay and Arjun,” a police officer said. They have identified all members of the gang, which was operating out of Najafgarh.

Sources said Rajesh was the one who was passing on information to the gang members. “Rajesh has been planning this robbery for the past three months. He approached Kalra’s manager Rakesh Kumar Sharma for a job. Sharma, who also had his own real estate business, agreed to give him a job. Rajesh did this so that he could keep track of Kalra’s transactions,” the officer said.

Police said Rajesh was using over five different mobile numbers to keep in touch with his gang. On the day of the robbery, Rajesh was passing on information to his gang members from inside the Honda City.

It was also found that the gang had committed over five robberies in the past. The investigating officers are now working on arresting the gang members and recovering the loot, sources said.